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Showing posts from January, 2026

Benue to Establish State Energy Commission, Signs Renewable Power Deal with REA By Okwo romeon Abuja

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  The Benue State Government has unveiled plans to establish a State Energy Commission as part of a broader strategy to reform the power sector, attract private investment, and expand access t Governor Hyacinths Alias of Benue state. o reliable electricity across the state. Governor Hyacinth Alia announced the initiative in Abuja during a strategic engagement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), where Benue State also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the agency to strengthen collaboration on renewable energy development and rural electrification. A Central Hub for Benue’s Energy Future According to Governor Alia, the proposed Energy Commission will serve as a central coordinating body for all energy-related activities in the state. The commission is expected to function as a one-stop platform for investors, streamline approvals, mobilise capital, and ensure efficient deployment of resources in the power sector. He explained that the commission will drive the ...

FACT-CHECK: Oglegba Denies Alleged EFCC Arrest, Releases Video Evidence By Romeon Okwo, Abuja

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  Reports circulating on social media alleging that the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Michael Oglegba, was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are false and misleading. The claims, which went viral on Monday, alleged that Oglegba was detained at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, over an alleged failure to pay a car dealer said to have supplied official vehicles to the Benue State House of Assembly. According to the post, the vehicles allegedly included seven official cars for lawmakers, a Hilux vehicle for the Clerk of the House, and a bus for the Assembly, purportedly approved at the cost of N1.2 billion by Governor Hyacinth Alia. When contacted on Monday afternoon, Hon. Oglegba categorically denied the allegations, stating that he was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC or any other security agency. “I have no knowledge of the alleged N1.2 billion said to be for seven official vehicles, a Hilux for the Cle...

Benue at 50: Oglegba Defends Fiscal Choices, Capital Spending, and Regional Balance By Okwo romeon Abuja

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As Benue State celebrates its golden jubilee, the mood has shifted beyond fanfare to sober reflection. Questions around development, fiscal discipline, infrastructure delivery, and political balance are now front and centre. In this wide-ranging interview, the Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Michael Oglegba, reflects on Benue’s 50-year journey, reviews the performance of the 2025 budget, outlines the priorities of the 2026 fiscal plan, responds to borrowing concerns, and addresses perceptions of neglect in Benue South Senatorial District. Fifty Years of Change: From One Road to a Growing Capital His Excellency, Rev Father (Dr)  Hyacinths Iormen Alias . Executive Governor of Benue State North Central Nigeria  Hon. Oglegba’s assessment of Benue’s progress is deeply personal. He arrived in the state in 1976, at a time when Makurdi was little more than a single major settlement. “At the time, Makurdi was essentially High Level alone. Today, Makurdi has merged with Apir. Population g...

Opinion: Peace in Igede Land Must Be Protected at All Costs by Okwo romeon Abuja

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  The recent appreciation message by the Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Rt. Hon. David A. Ogewu, is both timely and reassuring. At a moment when tensions could easily spiral into violence, his words underscore a powerful truth: peace is not accidental—it is a collective choice. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu  Nigeria President whose approve the sighting of military barracks in Oju/ Kokoshina border. By commending the people of Oju/Obi Federal Constituency and the entire Igede Nation for maintaining calm, Hon. Ogewu highlighted the maturity and restraint shown by the Ibilla and Oju clans. When provocation threatened to ignite conflict between two brotherly clans, wisdom prevailed over chaos. This conscious decision to embrace peace deserves not only commendation but also emulation across communities facing similar challenges. Ogboloko the first Igede warrior for fought for the stability of Igede land against for...

Tinubu Takes Nigeria–Türkiye Partnership to Next Level

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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment and expand strategic economic partnerships. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu of Nigeria. The visit is expected to deepen Nigeria–Türkiye economic relations, with a strong focus on investment flows, trade expansion, and private-sector collaboration across key growth sectors, including security manufacturing, education services, social development, innovation, and aviation. During the visit, President Tinubu will hold high-level engagements with Turkish authorities aimed at strengthening bilateral economic frameworks and advancing cooperation in finance, communications, trade facilitation, and cross-border investment. Central to the visit is the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering priority sectors such as scientific research, energy development, technical and industrial cooperation, media...

Bauchi Govt, SDGs, AUDA-NEPAD Empower 490 Beneficiaries Across 20 LGAs By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi

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 The Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has launched a statewide empowerment programme targeting vulnerable groups across the 20 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and inclusive economic growth. Members of SDG led by the Executive director presenting packages to beneficial. Under the initiative, ₦5.5 million in cash grants and 108 goats were distributed to 490 beneficiaries, with a focus on smallholder farmers and the less privileged. Boosting Grassroots Livelihoods Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Director-General of the Bauchi State SDGs Office, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Gar, described the programme as a critical intervention aimed at strengthening livelihoods and enhancing food security in the state. She said the empowerment drive is being implemented in partnership with the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), an organisat...

2025 WASA: Governor Namadi Praises Nigerian Army for Strengthening Security in Jigawa

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 Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has commended the Nigerian Army for its vital role in strengthening security and promoting peaceful coexistence across the state. The Army officer exchanging pleasant with Jigawa state government representatives in Duste the state capital. The governor gave the commendation while attending the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) organised by the Nigerian Army at the 26 Armoured Brigade Barracks, Yagaba, Dutse. Governor Namadi described WASA as a long-standing tradition that fosters unity, cultural integration and strong civil–military relations between the Armed Forces and host communities. He praised the leadership and personnel of the 26 Armoured Brigade for their effective collaboration with other security agencies under Operation Salama, noting that the joint efforts have helped curb kidnapping, cattle rustling, farmer–herder clashes and other criminal activities in Jigawa State. According to the governor, the improved coordination am...

Ado Community's Urgent Plea for Pedestrian Bridge by Phil Ajah karu

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  Residents of Ado Community in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, are calling for the construction of a pedestrian bridge to ensure their safety, particularly pupils and students of GJSS/SSS and Bakin Ado Primary School. The community is concerned about the increasing number of life-threatening accidents on the busy Abuja-Keffi highway, which they cross daily  Led by Comrade Isah Nasiru, Ado Youth Chairman, the request has been addressed to relevant authorities, including the Chairman of Karu LGA, the Commissioner of Works, Nasarawa State, and other key officials. The community believes immediate action is necessary to address this pressing issue and prevent further accidents. Similar communities in Nasarawa State have faced similar challenges. For instance, residents of Uwhe community constructed a makeshift bridge due to government inaction, while Kam Kire and surrounding communities appealed to the government for a bridge to ease movement and ensure safety  The construction of...

Abba Atiku Abubakar Joins APC to Support Tinubu's Re-election Bid By Julie Peter Abuja

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  Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of Nigeria's former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. He was officially welcomed into the party by Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustafa Salihu, at the National Assembly in Abuja  Abba Abubakar son of former vice president of Nigeria. Abba, who had been following political developments from the United States, cited the outstanding leadership style of Senator Barau and the performance of the Tinubu administration as reasons for his decision. He also announced the renaming of his political group, formerly known as Haske Atiku Organisation, to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signaling his full alignment with the APC  His father, Atiku Abubakar, described Abba's decision as personal and stated that it doesn't reflect his own political stance. The APC leaders welcomed...

Jigawa Pension Board Disburses N12.6B to Retirees, Urges Transparency - Abdullahi Idris Bauchi

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  The Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme has disbursed a total of N12,614,826,460.17 billion to over 5,000 retirees from 2024 to January 2026. This was revealed by the State Head of the Civil Service, Muhammad K. Dagaceri, during the launch of N1.5 billion payment to 592 retirees at the Pension House. According to Dagaceri, Governor Umar Namadi allocated N5,422,239,826.32 in 2024, benefiting 2,033 retirees, and N5,681,618,940.89 in 2025, benefiting 2,211 retirees. The current payment of N1,510,967,692.96 to 592 retirees demonstrates the governor's commitment to enhancing civil servant welfare. The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, stated that the payment covers retirement and death benefits, including pension balances for state, local governments, and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) retirees. Breakdown of payments: - State government retirees: N562,347,265.65 (1...

President Trump gets Noble Peace Award with ease.

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  The President of United States of America, President Donald Trump has taken the norwaygian award he was early denied by the organization. The President got the award through proxy presentation by the Venezuela opposition leader Machado who plead the award in exchange for a perceived political support from the US President. This is one of the most terrible time for the American people and many had disliked the admissions of the Donald Trump style of leadership.

FG Suspends Tax Reform Guidelines Amid Uncertainty Over Final Version by Okwo romeon - Abuja

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  The Federal Government has suspended the issuance of guidelines for implementing Nigeria's new tax laws due to uncertainty over the final approved version. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, revealed this during the 2026 Economic Outlook event hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. Oyedele instructed the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to hold off on implementing the laws until clarity is achieved, citing concerns that circulating documents may not reflect the definitive version of the laws. His team attempted to purchase official printed copies from the government printer, but staff claimed all copies were taken by the National Assembly, restricting public access until their review is complete ¹ ² ³. The National Assembly is preparing its own gazette, which has yet to be finalized, causing confusion and delays. Oyedele emphasized, "We cannot issue guidelines because we are not 100% certain ...